It is never a good thing when a host of a party or game night with friends runs out of ice. “Scotch on the Rocks” is one of the most common drinks a bartender will ever make throughout their career of making cocktails for patrons at a restaurant or bar. Ice is imperative at any social gathering, but it is also actually put in the majority of the drinks people make every day. On a sweltering hot day, a cup of ice water can be more valuable to some people than currency. The little plastic trays for ice are just never enough to make a difference and they are very space consuming in most people’s already jam-packed freezers. Buying a counter top ice maker is one of the best solutions to always having ice on hand when it is needed. Ice makers come in many different varieties and styles, below is a guide to know what features to look for when buying an ice maker for your counter top.

What the Different Costs Are

A basic ice maker that is relatively compact in size and that will serve approximately a party of throughout any given time can be found at around $100-$150. Machines that can generate much higher ice loads around 50 pounds are $300-$500. This is the most common kind of ice maker purchased. Many restaurants opt for commercial ice makers or sonic ice makers and these offer quite a bit higher capacity for ice making. They cost around $1,000-$5,000.

Water Recycling is a Must

Older versions of ice makers had no water recycling capability, so whatever ice was being stored would melt and damage the components through corrosion and breakdown. It is important to choose an up-to-date model with water recycling so you have a much more efficient machine that will last longer.

Ice Sizing and Variation Options

Newer, more-technologically advanced ice makers have more than just cubed, crushed or large and small. Users have the option of sonic ice, crescent shaped, cubed shaped, gourmet as well as the traditional crushed ice. Look for greater variety of options to choose from when it comes to the sizing of ice offered.

Warranty Extension

One of the most important features you will want to consider when choosing an ice maker is most definitely does it have an extended warranty. You may find that terrific model that is perfect for your preferences, but if it breaks down and isn’t covered, then the money you spent on it ends up not being worth it. Look on the box and paperwork for customer service phone numbers and even do an online google review. Product reviews are very popular these days and they can be a great way to avoid buying a defective model that tends to break down fairly quick. A decent ice maker will offer a three to five year extended warranty.

Ice maker’s Filters and Water Source

Commercial or industrial ice makers require connecting to a water source. If tap water is being used, the filters will very frequently have to be changed because hard water tends to calcify quickly. Smaller ice makers generally do not have filters. For this reason, it is recommended to use a cleaner water such as filtered, distilled or even spring. Many health enthusiasts are using alkaline water with a PH of 8.8 or greater. Alkaline water is a great way to get healthy PH levels in your body to avoid acidic blood and it is as easy as pouring a cup of ice with your favorite beverage.